Dr. Rosemary Selby is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice since 1986 and the founder of Palo Alto Central Psychological Services. She began her career as a college professor — teaching psychology and management at the graduate level — before moving into full-time clinical work, and that background shapes a particular focus on young adults and university students, alongside a broader practice serving adults of every age, from college through the senior years.

She works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, alcohol and drug use concerns, the pressures of competitive sport, and the transitions of university life. Her approach is collaborative and tailored to each client's goals — whether that means building practical coping skills, working through a difficult relationship pattern, addressing substance use, or finding footing during a major life transition. Sessions are grounded, direct, and paced to what each client is ready for.

Dr. Selby sees clients primarily by telehealth but has some limited hours available in person at the Palo Alto office, and works with a number of major insurance plans to help make care accessible.

Professional background

Earlier in her career, Dr. Selby served as a Clinical Sport Psychologist at Stanford University, working directly with varsity athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff on performance and adjustment issues, and publishing research on health factors for university athletes. She also worked as a staff psychologist in Stanford University Hospital's Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program.

For many years, she directed and provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for major Silicon Valley employers — including General Electric, Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space, and Pacific Gas & Electric — offering crisis intervention, critical incident debriefing, management consultation, and individual employee counseling, and served as Past President of the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association.